General News

The Alberta government is contributing $430,000 to the expansion of the Central Alberta Raceways at the Rimbey Kinsmen Motorsports Park.

Started in 2003, Central Alberta Raceways hosts a number of racing events each year and attracts over 15,000 racers and racing fans from across the province and Western Canada.

“Whether it’s on the snow or on the track, racing is a sport enjoyed by Albertans all year round,” said Hector Goudreau, Minister of Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture. “We are pleased to support a project that will provide thrills and excitement for local spectators and visitors from around the world.”

The $430,000 grant will go towards the expansion of the racing venue and construction of a new paved track. The total project cost is an estimated $869,000 and is part of a long range development plan to make the Rimbey Motorsports Park a premier multi-motor sport racing venue in Western Canada.Funds for the expansion are being provided as part of the Alberta government’s Major Community Facilities Program. This two-year, $280-million lottery-funded program, helps municipalities, not-for-profit organizations and Aboriginal communities plan, upgrade or build major public-use facilities that enhance community life.

“This new track is estimated to be one of the longest paved drag racing tracks in Alberta,” said Ray Prins, MLA for Lacombe-Ponoka. “We hope this expansion will help draw more than double the number of people that come to the Raceways each year.”

Jeff Makofka, President of the Rimbey Kinsmen Club added, “Our community project has come a long way and we will now be able to get into the next gear. The community support has been outstanding and with these new funds we can proceed with the completion of a new drag strip for Alberta.”

Supporting community organizations and investing in infrastructure are part of Premier Ed Stelmach’s plan to secure Alberta’s future by building communities, greening our growth and creating opportunity.